History
Download the full history timeline of BVHS
When the region’s first hospital, the Findlay Home for Friendless Women and Children, opened its doors in 1891, the founders made a commitment to the community to provide health care to generations of families.
Several years later, the present site of Blanchard Valley Hospital was purchased for $10,000. Through local bond issues and contributions, eventually a 170-bed hospital was completed and dedicated.
As the community needs increased, Blanchard Valley Hospital continued to grow. Improvements included an emergency department, surgical suites, ambulatory services and much more. However, bricks and mortar were not the only contributions. The hospital also needed staff to care for patients and began recruiting health care providers for open positions. These new hires directly impacted the economic development of the region. Today, Blanchard Valley employs more than 3,000 associates.
The forefathers of the development could never have imagined being the predecessors for today’s Blanchard Valley Health System. The organization has grown from a single hospital to a comprehensive health system offering a full continuum of care.
Over the years, technology has greatly changed, moving from simple instruments and testing to electronic medical records, surgical robots and advanced imaging. Clinical research has created best practices in providing safe and efficient patient care. Here, teams are using these practices to offer the highest quality of care possible to all who enter our doors.
So much has changed for us since 1891. What hasn’t changed is our reason for being here. The hospital was originally formed to provide a vital service to Findlay area residents – doctors and nurses were caring for their friends and neighbors. That is still what we’re doing today.
BVHS Today
Findlay, Ohio is a very special place. Blanchard Valley Health System has found a home in the sprawling landscape of northwest Ohio.
A non-profit organization, BVHS is governed by a community board of trustees. This structure ensures each member has a personal investment in the decisions made throughout the organization. The health system also remains independent.
Blanchard Valley has no owners or shareholders. We reinvest hospital earnings back into our local communities through improved access to expanded health care services, advanced technologies and recruitment of top talent as one of the area’s largest employers.
Our vision, “Extraordinary people. Exceptional care,” encapsulates the Blanchard Valley culture. Our physicians, clinical staff and associates are some of the most compassionate, innovative and skilled individuals, all with the common goal of providing the highest quality care to our community.
Award after award has been won for elite patient care. However, we don’t strive for honors and awards for their own sake. We do it because of our commitment to the community. Our patients deserve the highest quality care, and awards are a measure of how well we are doing. It is because of our outstanding associates, physicians, board members and volunteers that this level of exceptional care is possible.
Blanchard Valley continues to grow! Currently, the system serves an eight county area including Hancock, Allen, Putnam, Henry, Wood, Seneca, Wyandot and Hardin. However, the service areas continue to expand as the need for better health care access is identified.
In an effort to keep the promise made decades ago, BVHS makes access to health care a priority. Health system medical practices dot the region as specialists rotate through communities to bring care to the doors of the people.
Blanchard Valley remains committed to education and encourages and supports the pursuit of health care careers. We support our local colleges and universities through active intern and job shadow programs. Additionally, we offer clinical experiences for a number of health care professions.
With an eye on growth, BVHS leaders strategically plan for the next generation. The baton is passed from one trailblazer to the next as the path to elite health care is paved. The mission of the organization, “Caring for a lifetime,” sets a tone for the decision-making.
Whether a family is welcoming their first child or saying goodbye to a loved one, Blanchard Valley Health System is prepared to be there with the right care, in the right place at the right time. The promise continues...
“We’re here for you.”
Our Promise to You – To be extraordinary people, providing exceptional care for 125 years and counting!